The demolition of the gasholder on St Peter’s Waterside will begin this week, signalling a key step in Northampton’s regeneration. Once demolished, the northern gasholder site, which is next to the St Peters Way roundabout, will be redeveloped as part of a major new office scheme being led by WNDC.

The southern area of the site is also being prepared for regeneration. This includes a former depot building, which has now been demolished and a second gasholder which will start to be demolished before Christmas. The dismantling of the two gasholders will be complete by late spring 2014.

The former gasworks served Northampton until the 1960’s, burning coal to create the town’s gas supply. The discovery of cleaner North Sea natural gas meant that manufacturing at the site was no longer needed. It was subsequently used for natural gas storage until 2012. Today only a small area of the site remains operational and both gasholders are redundant as gas is now stored in underground pipes.

Scott Lewis Joint Venture Manager at National Grid Property commented: “National Grid, WNDC and Northampton Borough Council have worked closely in partnership to bring forward the regeneration of this large redundant site right in the heart of Northampton and site I am delighted to see work beginning.”

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “The gasholders are prominent parts of a wider demolition programme currently taking place along St Peter’s Way. In coming years, this whole area will be transformed into a thriving business district”.

Related posts:

1. Gasholder site earmarked for St Peter’s Waterside scheme
2. Major demolition works underway in Enterprise Zone
3. Waterside Demolition Plans in Place
4. Demolition work to start on former Northampton social club
5. New road will kick-start Northampton waterside scheme